OUR INVOLVED PARENT COMMUNITY FOSTERS LEARNING IN A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

What is a cooperative preschool?

Portland Kinderschule is a cooperative preschool in Portland. A cooperative preschool program is operated by the collective group of parents who take an active interest and an active role in their child’s first educational experience. Portland Kinderschule employs professional teachers with German fluency to lead our classes, but all other aspects of the school are conducted on a volunteer basis by the students’ families.

Why choose a cooperative preschool?

At Portland Kinderschule parents have a voice in school decisions, administration, and policy-making. As parents work together both inside and outside the classroom, a tightly knit community is built. The security that children draw from this sense of community ensures that they will begin their educational journey loving school. Portland Kinderschule families value the mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same interests and values.

What are my obligations?

Parental involvement is essential to the success of our school. The contributions of each family allow Portland Kinderschule to offer an outstanding, immersive education at a very reasonably priced tuition.

Parents are required to:

Attend general meetings two times per year. We discuss and vote on school issues, elect board members, hear speakers, as well as enjoy some adult social time.

Assist in the classroom as a parent helper according to our rotating schedule. The number of days you are required to parent help depends on how many days your child attends school per week. Many families at Portland Kinderschule have two parents who work. For those with flexibility in their work schedule, parent helper days can be planned to fit your calendar. Other families may choose to have a nanny, grandparent or substitute help cover their parent helper days. All classroom helpers are required to pass a criminal background history check.

Speak German to the best of your ability in the classroom to children, teachers and other parents. Parents who do not speak German are supported in their efforts to learn some rudimentary German, including basic phrases and greetings to use in the classroom.

Fundraise: Our reasonable tuition does not fully cover the cost of educating your child. Our fundraising goal varies annually and is divided evenly among all families. Your fundraising goal, or your “fair share,” is easy to meet through a number of annual fundraising opportunities that are offered throughout the year. Families who opt out of fundraising may make a tax-deductible donation to cover their fair share.

Clean classroom two times per year. Semi-annual cleaning parties are typically held on a Saturday morning and take approximately two hours.

Volunteer for one job per school year.

How will I be involved?

Each family is required to volunteer for one job per year. Positions on the board of directors are more time-intensive also carry the requirement of attendance at a monthly board meeting. Portland Kinderschule values each family’s commitment to our cooperative effort and understands that contributions come in many forms. We strive to match families with appropriate volunteer jobs that will enhance your overall Kinderschule experience.

Non-Board Volunteer Positions

Takes pictures of all incoming students and families. Creates bulletin board identifying each student and the family’s job. Compiles a memory book for each child as a gift from the school. Gathers photographs throughout the year and creates a year-end yearbook.

Checks emergency and first aid kit to make sure there is sufficient food, water and supplies. Organizes two cleaning days per year. Coordinates with teachers to make sure periodic fire, earthquake and lock down drills are carried out.